Elliston and Lafayette are also considered distinct communities by most local residents. Lafayette is located along the Roanoke River just across the Roanoke County line. The north fork and south fork of the river join near Interstate 81 north of Lafayette. While Lafayette is named for the Marquis de Lafayette, it is pronounced "Luh-fett" or "Luh-fay-ett". The center of Elliston, which is the larger community, is approximately three miles west of Lafayette on US 460.

Shawsville is approximately four miles west of Elliston. The majority of US 460 between the communities is a completely straight stretch of road, which is not common in this area of Virginia, known locally as the Elliston Straightaway. During the 1990s, there was some minor controversy between Elliston and Shawsville about how far down the Elliston Straightaway would be the appropriate place for a "Welcome to Shawsville" sign. Additionally, Shawsville Elementary School also resides in 24087, the Elliston ZIP Code.